by Diane F. Halpern, California State University, San Bernardino
and Mary LaMay, Loma Linda University
© 2000, Pearson Education, Inc., All Rights Reserved
Introduction
This activity will help you better understand the nature of bias, confirmation bias in particular. Confirmation bias has a powerful and pervasive effect. It operates in a wide range of settings, and we are unaware of its influence on how we think. In this learning activity, we present several real world examples of confirmation bias, demonstrate it in different situations, and suggest techniques to help you avoid it in your own thinking.
You're excited about tonight's date. You've waited to go out with this particular person for a long time, and now, finally, it's happening. You've agreed to meet at a local restaurant. Upon entering the restaurant, you spot your date, and you both smile and wave at each other. Suddenly you trip, bump into a waiter carrying a large order, and send food and drink flying everywhere! You're embarrassed and your date is embarrassed. Chances are you'll have a tough time overcoming that less than suave first impression, even though you are usually a very graceful and athletic person. Have you ever wondered why first impressions are so enduring and difficult to change?
